8.22 Adding a Local User Account

Windows 8/8.1 uses two types of user accounts. The default user account revolves around a Microsoft email account. Microsoft prefer you to use the default user account simply because it is easier for Windows 8/8.1 to synchronize all of your setting.

The second type of account is simply a Local Account. With a Local Account you can still access your computer in the normal way, but you computer will not be able to synchronize settings and you will also not have access to the Microsoft store.

While Microsoft do not recommend that you use a Local Account, these type of accounts can be useful, especially for the purpose of family members, whom you do not wish to designate Administrator privileges to, to access your PC.

To create a Local Account proceed as follows.

From the Charms bar, Click on Settings.
In the Settings Windows, Click on Change PC Settings.

Fig: 8.22.1 Click the change PC settings option
In the PC settings window, Click on the Accounts option.
In the Accounts window, Click on the Other Account option.

Fig: 8.22.2 The Other Accounts option allows you to create a new account
In the Manage Other Accounts window, Click the Add another Account option.
In the Manage other accounts window click on the Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended) option.

Fig: 8.22.3 Microsoft would prefer you to only use a Microsoft account, but this is not a necessity.
A description of the type of accounts will now appear. You are about to choose the Local Account.
To continue Click the Local Account button

Fig: 8.22.4 You can check the differences in accounts from this window
The Add User account window will now appear.
Type in the new users Name followed by a suitable Password.

Fig: 8.22.5 Add the new user name and password
Re-enter the password and then Click the Next button.
Your Local Account will now be created and displayed on the Add User account window.

Fig: 8.22.6 Your new account appears in the Add User window
Next Click the Finish button to finalize the new account.

Fig:8.22.7 Your new account has now been created
Your new account is now ready for use.
If you need to change the type of account for this user, simply click on the account and select Edit.

Fig: 8.22.8 A user's account type can easily be changed from Standard to Administrator if required
From the Edit option you can easily change the Account type via the Account type drop down box.
If you need to remove the account, simply Click on the account and then Click the Remove button.